Iyanya Onoyom Mbuk (born 31 October 1986), known by his mononym Iyanya, is aNigerian recording artist and performer. He is best known for winning the 2008 MTN Project Fame West Africa as well as for his song “Kukere“.[2][3] He is the co-owner of Made Men Music Group, a record label home to artists such as Tekno, Selebobo and Baci. Iyanya sings in English and Efik.[4] He released his debut studio album,My Story, in 2011. It was supported by the singles “No Time” and “Love Truly”. Desire, his second studio album, contained the singles “Kukere”, “Ur Waist“, “Flavour“, “Sexy Mama“, and “Jombolo“. He won theArtist of the Year award at The Headies 2013.

Iyanya was born on Palm Street in Calabar,Cross River State, Nigeria.[5] His mother was a head mistress[6] and his father was a forester. Iyanya has described his mother as the household disciplinarian, while his father was the gentler of the two. His parents died in 2008, his mother, 42 years old, and his father, 50 years old. Iyanya’s elder brother died around the same time of his parents’ death[5] Iyanya’s grandfather was a clergyman. Iyanya used to sing in his church’s choir and was the choir master for the children’s choir at age 5.[7] Iyanya completed his primary, secondary, and university education in Calabar. He is aBusiness Management graduate from theUniversity of Calabar.[8]

After graduating from the University of Calabar, he worked in a hotel and sangkaraoke at a local bar he managed. Iyanya began developing his vocal abilities at local bars which include: Fiesta Fries Bar, Mirage Nite Club, and West-Life.[2] Iyanya cited British singer Craig David and American hip hop artist R Kelly as his key musical influences.[9] Iyanya was motivated to pursue music professionally after watching the celebrity lifestyle of 2 Face Idibia and Olu Maintain. Iyanya started as a rapper, going by the name “Lofty”.

In 2008, KCee from KCee Presh group convinced Iyanya to partake in MTN’s first ever Project Fame singing competition.[2]Iyanya emerged the winner of the competition after battling numerous people who had the same aspirations as him. The 2008 MTN Project Fame Competition was the beginning of Iyanya’s musical career. Unlike many people who dwindle after a major competition, Iyanya’s success had just begun.

After winning MTN’s Project Fame, Iyanya began recording his debut album My Storyreleased under CN Media Imprint.[10] The album showed Iyanya’s versatility as anR&B artist, particularly on the self-titled track “Iyanya” and “Love Truly”.[2] Iyanya’s debut album was a commercial failure due to problems with distribution and promotion.[11]

After visiting his hometown of Calabar and seeing people’s affection for the Etighidance, Iyanya decided to do a song that would popularise the dance that originated in Calabar.[12][13][14] He teamed up with producer DTunes and recorded “Kukere“, a single that achieved global success, particularly in Nigeria, Ghana and theUnited Kingdom. The song was succeeded by his second single entitled “Ur Waist“.

On 16 October 2013, 360nobs reported that Iyanya became the new ambassador forSolo Phones Nigeria, a mobile phone company situated at Computer Village,Ikeja. The one-year deal is allegedly worth $220,000 (35 million niara). In addition, Iyanya got a 2014 Toyota Prado from the deal.[15][16]

In 2013, Daily Independent reported that Iyanya also signed a one-year deal withZinox Computers (Nigeria’s first certified branded computers) worth $300,000. The deal will feature Iyanya on Zinox billboards and in TV commcercials.[17][18]

Iyanya started performing ballads, particularly on his debut album My Story. In an interview with Toolz on Ndani TV, he said he wants to be a versatile artist and wants to be known for his R&B andAfrobeat abilities. In the same interview, he also said he switched from R&B to Afrobeatbecause he wanted to make money and wanted fans to see his versatility.[19]

On 25 November 2012, Iyanya performed at comedian AY Makun show held at theINDIGO2 arena.[20] To promote his second album in the UK, Iyanya headlined theIyanya vs. Desire concert. The concert started in London and ended in Manchester. The London concert was held at theINDIGO2 arena on 9 June 2013. The concert featured performances by Tonto Dikeh and Iyanya’s label mate Emma Nyra.[21] On 14 June 2013, the Manchester concert commenced and featured performances by Emma Nyra and DRB Lasgidi.[22] Iyanya and his label mate Emma Nyra went on a mini tour across the U.Sand Canada in early 2013. Iyanya performed at the Shrine in Chicago on 11 April 2013.[23] He also performed at the African Muzik Magazine launch on 12 April 2013 held in Dallas, Texas.[24] Iyanya serenaded Grammy Award nomineeMelanie Fiona at the LTB Jean store inSoho, New York and performed at the world-renowned New York Fashion Week.[25]

The discography of Iyanya consists of two studio albums, twenty two singles (including ten as featured artist), five promotional singles, and fourteen music videos.